India’s Water Management Initiatives a Model for Developing Nations: World Bank Official
India’s water management initiatives are emerging as a model for developing countries, with the World Bank praising the country’s efforts in drinking water access, river restoration, sanitation and dam safety.
Saroj Kumar Jha, Global Director for Water at the World Bank Group, described India’s progress as a “remarkable success story”, saying countries across the developing world were looking to its experience for solutions to their water challenges. Speaking during a virtual press briefing ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, Jha said India’s experience could provide practical guidance to countries working to strengthen water security. The conference, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, will take place in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, 2026.
Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches 800 Million People
Highlighting the Jal Jeevan Mission, Jha said India had reached 800 million people in less than seven years with improved drinking water access. He described the scale of the programme in rural and urban areas as unprecedented, while stressing the growing importance of sustainability, operations and maintenance. He also identified the Swachh Bharat Mission and Namami Gange Programme as initiatives that other countries could learn from.Citing Nigeria’s ‘Clean Nigeria’ campaign as an example of the international influence of India’s sanitation initiative, Jha said countries, particularly in the Global South, were looking at India’s approach to people’s participation, strong government leadership and financing.
Namami Gange and Dam Safety Efforts Praised
Jha said the Namami Gange Programme had been remarkably successful in reducing pollution in the Ganga and improving the river’s overall health. The World Bank has supported the National Mission for Clean Ganga through various financing instruments. He also highlighted India’s progress in dam safety, stating that World Bank funding had helped improve the resilience of nearly 900 dams. India has also established centres of excellence to strengthen technical expertise in the sector. Jha further praised urban water management initiatives that encourage creditworthy municipalities to access capital markets to improve public services.
India’s Role Ahead of UN Water Conference
Stephanie Rambler, Senior Sustainable Development Officer at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, said India was actively involved in preparations for the conference. She said India was expected to send a large high-level government delegation and organise a side event on ‘river cities’, focusing on water security and resilience. The conference will include seven plenary meetings and six interactive dialogues, along with special events aimed at accelerating progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6, which seeks to ensure clean water and sanitation for all.
